I have this character idea stuck in my head that I need some help with. I really like the idea of playing a Drow who follows the path of Eilistraee and leaves the Underdark. The kicker is he has a benevolent pet giant spider who leaves with him. As silly as it may be I don't think I can play this character if the spider needs to be a bear or a panther or anything else really. The spider stays.

So my dilema is that the giant spider pet seems way to fragile to be an integral part of game play. I hope I'm wrong here, this is just my guess. I was hoping someone could tell me if the Giant Spider Pet is playable or not.

If the only way he will work is if I take 40 levels of Ranger then so be it. I guess that goes for Druid as well, but I was really seeing this character as more of a Ranger. Anyway that part is open for negotiation, the spider ain't

Also if anyone knows of a way to make the spider playable by using an unorthodox build I'm all ears. In fact I think I'd prefer it as it doesn't seem to me that a straight 1-40 Ranger, or druid for that matter, looks to be a particularly powerful build.

I'm open to suggestions. Please help my spider. I don't want to send Snarg to the spider pound

Edited By Chumgeyser on 11/22/06 06:50

Quote: Posted 11/22/06 06:49 (GMT) -- Chumgeyser

I have this character idea stuck in my head that I need some help with. I really like the idea of playing a Drow who follows the path of Eilistraee and leaves the Underdark.

Wow, lame. And a spider too. Here's what you do: make the drow to be a superb swordsman, but having a good heart. Scimitars are a must. He is then forced to kill a fellow drow - a wizard no less. He acquires the wizard's Panther companion. Later he ascends to the surface of the world and meets an old Ranger who teaches him the way of MIELIKKI (comes from Finnish lore ). Isn't that kewl? ^^
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Well, your problem is two-fold: 1) Spiders are weak (as you know) and 2) Rangers don't have great buffing spells (other than Cat's grace and Greater Magic Fang).

My only advice to you, is make a Druid instead. Keep multi-classing to a minimum to keep you spider levels up. I would also take the Empower Spell, both for direct damage spells as well as Empowered Bulls Strength (for you and the spider).

The druid buffs you can give your spider:

- Bulls Strength (empowered for +3 to +7 Str boost)
- Barkskin (max 5 AC @ level 13)
- Greater Magic Fang (+5 to hit, +5 damage @ level 15)
- Awaken (+4 Con, +4 Strength, +2 attack)
- Stoneskin (DR 10/+5, max 100 points of damage)
- Aura of Vitality (+4 Con, +4 Dex, +4 Str)

(Note: I have not tested as to whether the Animal Companion is affected by Awaken or Aura of Vitality. It seems that I might remember some bug or something so that they didn't. But it's been a while so I may very well be mistaken. You should check your combat logs to be sure.)

But, a spider is still going to be weaker, so you will have to babysit it a bit. Let a Summoned creature go in first then let your spider join the fray.

Cheers.
Quote: Posted 11/22/06 18:31 (GMT) -- FinneousPJ

Quote: Posted 11/22/06 06:49 (GMT) -- Chumgeyser

I have this character idea stuck in my head that I need some help with. I really like the idea of playing a Drow who follows the path of Eilistraee and leaves the Underdark.

Wow, lame. And a spider too. Here's what you do: make the drow to be a superb swordsman, but having a good heart. Scimitars are a must. He is then forced to kill a fellow drow - a wizard no less. He acquires the wizard's Panther companion. Later he ascends to the surface of the world and meets an old Ranger who teaches him the way of MIELIKKI (comes from Finnish lore ). Isn't that kewl? ^^

OK I'm guessing you are making references to that famous D&D Drow Fizzil or Drizzil or Schinizzil or something right? Did he have a spider pet also? I know of the character but not much. I was afraid I might be cutting it too close to him. Anyway I still think it's a cool idea, even if not original.

That being said I kinda gave up on the Ranger idea and started to think along the lines of what you suggested Dmuzzy. Then I gave up on that as well. I just can't get into playing a druid. So back to the drawing board. I'll try not to copy Frizzil Dizzil Schinizzil for my next character idea. Hmm maybe I'll make a rapping drow rogue that adds izzil to the end of everything he says? I think I'll call him Scoop Dawg

Edited By Chumgeyser on 11/22/06 23:29

I once played a shifter who was focused on Drider form and had a pet spider...

the spider was just for looks though... looked cool O.O I like that idea too Dark. Something about a pet spider is appealing My advice is:
Make a strong character with ranger or druid in it for the animal companion. Both assassin/blackguard with the use poison feat and druid with venom immunity and poison spells fit the spider theme.
Choose a Spider companion for role playing purposes and spawn a second spider from a summon IV spell.
They are there to look cool, and your character takes care of the fighting part.
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